Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po has announced the cancellation of the HK$2,500 subsidy for kindergarten, primary, and secondary school students as part of its latest budget measures to reduce expenditures. Chan, speaking on a radio program today (Feb. 27), stated that the subsidy did not require any form of means testing and was therefore a target for cost-saving measures amid the current budget deficit.
During the program, a caller criticized the move, arguing that it contradicts the government's goal of encouraging childbirth. The caller also pointed out that while welfare programs such as the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA), Old Age Allowance, and Old Age Living Allowance have been reduced to half-payments, middle-class families have not benefited from any relief measures.
In response, Chan explained that while the government has various measures in place to encourage childbirth, the current economic environment necessitates fiscal prudence. He added that individuals in genuine need could seek support through other government programs.
He also said that economic recovery is ongoing, and pressures vary among different groups. He stated that while the government had been able to offer more generous measures during prosperous times, the current deficit limits the extent of support that can be provided.
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